We have started a new study in the book of Philippians on Sunday morning. This past week we dealt with one of the marks of a mature believer, the mark of Confidence. There is great confidence in walking with the Lord. One of those marks is the fact that God is faithful. He will do what He said He will do.
Philippians 1:6 (GW)
6 I’m convinced that God, who began this good work in you, will carry it through to completion on the day of Christ Jesus.
Isn’t it great to know that God, who began the work in us, will be faithful and will carry it all the way through to completion? It is so exciting to know that as I walk with Him, as I follow Him, as I listen to Him, as I am obedient to Him, He will work all things out in my life. That means that all the trials that I go through, all the struggles that I have, all the problems that arise in my life, He knows about and has them all worked out for my good. It is so wonderful to follow our God and our Savior.
We have to remember that it is His work. It is not something that we have done, it is something that we develop with His help and guidance. But look at what Paul is saying, “God, who began this good work in your…” where does that say that you began the work. God started and God will finish it. He is faithful. The question becomes, how faithful are we in being obedient to Him? You see that is where the rub comes. Because we are not always faithful to His calling, we are not always obedient to His leading, and we are not always listening to Him speak to us. So let me encourage you today, He began it, He will finish it, as long as we are faithful to follow His lead. It is like dancing, which I’m not very good at, but in dancing the woman follows the man. When she doesn’t there ends up being some sore toes, feet and ankles. However, when there is someone leading, there is beauty that moves across the dance floor. The same is true in our walk with the Lord. When we allow Him to lead and we follow there is beautiful music in our lives!!! Even in the midst of the storms there is peace, there is harmony, and there is true joy. Because of all that we have confidence in knowing that He is in control and we can face any trial, any problem, any mountain knowing that we will come out with the Lord’s best.
We also have the confidence in knowing that when Christ comes again the work is completed and we move from this world to a New Heaven and New Earth. Praise the Lord how I long for that wonderful day. I wonder, do you have that relationship with our Heavenly Father? Do you have that relationship with Jesus Christ our Lord? If not, why not open your heart today and invited Him to come and start to change your life? Take a moment and read 1 John 1:9 and claim the promise that is written there.
Until next time, Love to all and walk in the confidence of knowing Jesus as your Savior and God as your heavenly Father.
Pastor Rob
